黑料不打烊

Noosa Weekend Excursion - Queensland Edition 

Get ready for a brand spankin’ new adventure in Queensland — we’ve stumbled onto a whole untouched side of it ????锔忊湪.

We’ve made some major upgrades to what the other side of Queensland has to offer, and trust us, this weekend is all about maximum chill, deep reflection (probably while staring dramatically into the sunset), and making memories with Arcadia Staff and fellow Arcadians.

Now, full honesty — we're still cooking up a few activities (it’s giving mad scientist energy), and we haven't had the chance to unleash all our ideas yet. But hey, that’s the fun part! We’re diving headfirst into this new excursion with fresh eyes, a fresh vibe, and a mission to give students an experience that blows the past few years out of the water.

So! Let’s jump into what we’ve been up to — and maybe you can toss a few ideas our way too. Bring your best ones — the more chaotic, the better.

Friday, 

With students scattered all over Brisbane (and beyond!) pulling everyone together was like trying to herd a whirlwind. Luckily, our amazing staff swooped in and nailed down a meeting spot and time. Some students flew in from Townsville (yes, actual planes were involved ), while others hopped on trains to meet us at the rally point.

Once everyone was rounded up, we hit the road — almost two hours of bonding, playlists, and questionable snack choices — until we finally rolled up to our accommodation.

First stop? The beach, of course! We landed right in the middle of a beach club event where people of all ages were dancing, vibing, and living their best beach life. Our students jumped right into the fun — it was packed, sunny, and full of summer magic. After a good boogie and a chill stroll along the shore, we headed back to get some much-needed rest... because the next day? It was going to be nonstop action.

Saturday, 

We kicked off the day bright and way too early at 6AM, heading down to the beach to catch a stunning sunrise over a whole new side of Australia — and trust us, it was worth every bleary-eyed blink.

After soaking up the view, we swung back by the accommodation to scoop up a few more brave souls who managed to drag themselves out of bed for a bit of early morning yoga. Nothing like a few stretches (and some questionable balance attempts) to get the day rolling.

Breakfast was... somewhat nutritious — one of our heroic staff whipped up banana pancakes, crispy bacon, and a mountain of strawberries and blueberries. A delicious way to fuel up for what was coming next!

We then made our way to the beach where we hired paddleboards and kayaks, gliding (and occasionally wobbling) around the river. Naturally, a few friendly races broke out — because what’s a paddle without a little competition? Meanwhile, others fully embraced "beach life," sunbathing and soaking it all in — of course, slathered in sunscreen because, trust us, that Aussie UV hits different. 

Later that afternoon, our grand boat adventure was sadly cut short — sunset and timing didn’t play nice with us. But hey, no worries! We’re tweaking the plan and aiming for a flawless launch in Fall 2025. ????鉁�

That evening, we regrouped for a cozy dinner at a local Italian pizza spot. Over slices of cheesy goodness, the banter flew about Aussie life vs. American life. It was hilarious to hear how, despite falling in love with Australia, many students still swore loyalty to the U.S... while others? They were ready to trade their passports and stay forever. 

After dinner, some students wandered off to explore the town, while others headed back to rest up. The late-night stories? Oh, we heard plenty when they returned — but what happens after-hours on a student trip? Well, that's staying locked in the Arcadia vault. 

Sunday

We kicked off our final morning with a short hike, stretching our legs and soaking up those last magical views. Along the beach, a few local stalls had popped up — students got to sample Noosa’s famous electrolytes (because hydration is key, folks!) and check out a bunch of beachside activities like soccer, volleyball, a surfing competition, bird watching, and even a bit more hiking for the overachievers. 

Some of us were content just being professional spectators, cheering on the action while others dove into Queensland’s warm, welcoming waters one last time.

As the sun climbed higher, it was time to pack up and say goodbye to our little slice of paradise. We boarded our ride and headed back to the bustling city life of Brisbane — sun-kissed, a little sandy, and full of memories that we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.